Dry Milk Substitutes: Complete Guide
Find the best substitutes for dry milk in bread baking, bread machines, and cooking. Learn proper ratios for liquid milk, buttermilk powder, and vegan alternatives with expert tips.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for dry milk are fresh milk (1:1), buttermilk powder (1:1), or coconut milk powder (1:1). For bread baking, use fresh milk; for bread machines, reduce liquid by 1/4 cup per 1/4 cup dry milk substituted.
Best Substitutes
Fresh Milk (Whole or 2%)
1:1 (1/4 cup dry milk = 1 cup fresh milk)Fresh liquid milk provides the same dairy flavor and nutrition as dry milk, with the added benefit of moisture content
Best for:
When substituting in bread recipes, reduce other liquid ingredients by 3/4 cup for every 1/4 cup dry milk replaced. For bread machines, reduce liquid by 1/4 cup per 1/4 cup dry milk substituted.
Buttermilk Powder
1:1Dried buttermilk powder provides similar dairy properties with a slightly tangy flavor that enhances bread texture and flavor
Best for:
Adds slight tanginess to bread. Mix with water according to package directions. Great for bread machine recipes.
Coconut Milk Powder
1:1Plant-based milk powder that provides similar texture and binding properties, perfect for vegan and dairy-free baking
Best for:
Reconstitute with water according to package directions. Adds subtle coconut flavor. Perfect for vegan bread machine recipes.
Soy Milk Powder
1:1Plant-based alternative with similar protein content and binding properties to dairy milk powder
Best for:
Reconstitute with water. Provides good protein content for bread structure. Works well in bread machines.
Almond Milk Powder
1:1Nut-based milk powder that provides similar texture and moisture-absorbing properties for baking
Best for:
Reconstitute with water. Adds subtle nutty flavor. Good for specialty breads and dairy-free options.
Oat Milk Powder
1:1Grain-based milk powder with similar binding properties and neutral flavor profile
Best for:
Reconstitute with water. Provides neutral flavor that won't interfere with bread taste. Good for bread machines.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For bread baking, fresh milk is the best substitute - it provides both flavor and moisture
- 💡When using fresh milk instead of dry milk, reduce other liquid ingredients by 3/4 cup for every 1/4 cup dry milk replaced
- 💡For bread machines, reduce liquid by 1/4 cup per 1/4 cup dry milk substituted to prevent over-wetting
- 💡Dry milk powder helps with bread browning and crust development - fresh milk provides similar benefits
- 💡For King Arthur recipes, fresh milk works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute for their dry milk
- 💡Nonfat dry milk can be replaced with 2% or whole milk for richer flavor and better texture
- 💡For vegan bread, coconut milk powder provides the best texture and neutral flavor
- 💡When substituting liquid milk for dry milk, the bread may be slightly more tender due to increased moisture
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for dry milk in bread?
Fresh milk is the best substitute for dry milk in bread. Use 1 cup fresh milk for every 1/4 cup dry milk, and reduce other liquid ingredients by 3/4 cup to maintain proper dough consistency.
Can I substitute milk for dry milk in bread machine recipes?
Yes, you can substitute fresh milk for dry milk in bread machines. Use 1 cup fresh milk for every 1/4 cup dry milk, and reduce the liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup to prevent over-wetting the dough.
How much liquid milk to substitute for dry milk?
Use 1 cup fresh milk for every 1/4 cup dry milk powder. This maintains the same dairy content while providing the moisture that dry milk lacks.
What's a good substitute for nonfat dry milk?
2% or whole milk are excellent substitutes for nonfat dry milk. They provide richer flavor and better texture. Use 1 cup fresh milk for every 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk.
Can I use evaporated milk instead of dry milk?
Yes, evaporated milk can substitute for dry milk. Use 1/2 cup evaporated milk plus 1/2 cup water for every 1/4 cup dry milk. This provides similar concentrated dairy flavor.
What's a vegan substitute for dry milk powder?
Coconut milk powder is the best vegan substitute for dry milk powder. Reconstitute it with water according to package directions and use in equal amounts. It provides similar texture and binding properties.
How do I substitute dry milk in King Arthur bread recipes?
For King Arthur recipes, simply replace dry milk with fresh milk using a 1:4 ratio (1/4 cup dry milk = 1 cup fresh milk) and reduce other liquids by 3/4 cup. This maintains the recipe's intended texture and flavor.
Summary
Complete guide to dry milk substitutes for bread baking, bread machines, and cooking. Learn proper ratios for fresh milk, buttermilk powder, and vegan alternatives with expert tips.